Modular crack climbing systems

ABSTRACT

A pod that enables crack climbing on climbing surfaces of manufactured climbing structures includes a body and face. The body may include two sides with adjacent side walls having opposed interior surfaces that define a crack, which extends to the face of the pod. The crack may resemble a crack in a natural rock climbing formation or even simulate a crack of a natural rock climbing formation. The pod may be part of a crack climbing module that also includes a frame that can be mounted to a climbing surface of a conventional manufactured climbing wall to enable crack climbing on such a wall. The pod may also be used with manufactured climbing structures (e.g., climbing walls, climbing towers, artificial boulders, etc.) that include pod-receiving channels. Pods with cracks of different shapes may interchanged to provide varied crack climbing experiences.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/408,275, filed on May 9, 2019 and titled MODULAR CRACK CLIMBINGSYSTEMS (“the '275 Application”), now U.S. Pat. No. 11,154,760, issuedOct. 26, 2021. The entire disclosure of the '275 Application is herebyincorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to manufactured rock climbing wallsand to components of manufactured rock climbing walls. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to components of manufactured rockclimbing walls that enable individuals to practice climbing cracks, or“crack climbing.” Even more specifically, this disclosure relates tomodular cracks that are capable of being removably mounted tomanufactured rock climbing walls.

RELATED ART

Manufactured rock climbing walls, which are also commonly referred to as“indoor climbing walls,” enable individuals to learn and improve theirrock climbing skills. Indoor climbing walls can be found in specialtyrock climbing gyms, at stores that sell rock climbing equipment, and inindividuals' homes. It is generally much safer for individuals to learnand improve climbing skills on an indoor climbing wall in a controlledenvironment than on a natural rock wall in nature. Although many indoorclimbing walls are tall, their heights are typically much shorter thanthe rock faces that an individual will climb in nature. The horizontalsurfaces (e.g., the floor, etc.) below indoor climbing walls are oftenpadded, providing individuals with additional protection if they fallwhile learning and/or improving their rock climbing skills. Indoorclimbing walls provide the additional advantage of belay protection,where the climber is secured by a rope running through a belay bar atthe top of the climbing surface and then back down to the individualclimbing the climbing surface.

The belay rope is typically held by an individual who acts as a climbingpartner to the individual ascending the climbing surface. Individualswho climb in gyms may also use an auto-belay cable system that willsafely lower the individual to the floor if he or she loses his or hergrip on the wall and falls. Gym climbers can allow peers and instructorsto observe their technique and procedure more closely than they could innature, enabling peers and instructors to provide advice or instructionsas the individual encounters new challenges.

An indoor climbing wall typically includes a support frame, a climbingsurface mounted to the support frame, a plurality of t-nuts arrangedacross the climbing surface, and holds mounted to the t-nuts and, thus,to the climbing surface. The support frame may comprise the frame of awall of a building or any other structure that will support the weightof the climbing surface and one or more climbers as they grasp holdsthat have been secured to the climbing surface. Climbing surfaces may beoriented vertically and/or at one or more angles that overhang ahorizontal surface (e.g., a floor, etc.) above which the indoor climbingwall extends. The t-nuts, which are typically recessed within a climbingsurface, may be arranged across the climbing surface in an array orrandomly. Bolts that complementarily engage the t-nuts may couple holdsof various shapes and sizes to the t-nuts and, thus, secure the holds tothe wall. The bolts that are typically used to secure holds to thet-nuts in the climbing surface of a climbing wall (i.e., “standardclimbing hold bolts”) are typically ⅜-16 socket cap bolts (i.e., boltswith a diameter of % inch over the largest parts of their threads, apitch of 16 threads, or thread turns, per inch, and a cylindrical headwith a socket that will receive a so-called Allen wrench or hex wrench).The arrangement of the t-nuts, the spacing between t-nuts, and theavailability of a variety of different holds may facilitate theplacement and orientation of holds on the climbing surface in a widevariety of arrangements, enabling individuals to establish a variety ofroutes of various difficulties up the indoor climbing wall.

While conventional indoor climbing walls let individuals develop theirskills in identifying and climbing routes that include features thatprotrude from the face of the wall, the opportunities they provide forlearning to use cavities, or hollows, and cracks while climbing aretypically very limited. Commercial indoor rock climbing gyms have rarelyinstalled crack climbs because they require specialized constructiontechniques and extensive wall space. When cracks are present inconventional indoor climbing walls, they are often limited tostraight-in cracks of constant width or molded permanent cracks thatprovide little variation and, thus, little opportunity for the types ofcrack climbing experiences that will be valuable in nature. Climbers mayalso grow tired of repeatedly climbing the same crack. Such permanentlyfixed cracks are expensive to modify or replace when climbers grow tiredof trying to climb the same crack over and over. Thus, the availabilityof opportunities to practice crack climbing in the controlled,relatively safe environments where indoor climbing walls are typicallypresent has historically been very limited.

SUMMARY

A crack climbing module according to this disclosure may be mounted to aclimbing surface of a conventional manufactured rock climbing wall. Forthe sake of simplicity, a manufactured rock climbing wall may also bereferred to herein as a “climbing wall.” A crack climbing module thatmay be secured to a climbing surface of a climbing wall may include acrack that resembles a crack in a natural rock face. More specifically,the crack of a crack climbing module according to this disclosure mayprovide a continuous crack with variations, or irregularities, thatresemble the variations that may be found in cracks in natural rockfaces, which may also be referred to as “natural cracks.” Suchvariations may include the shapes of natural cracks (e.g., linear,jagged, etc.), the textures of natural cracks (e.g., rough, smooth,sharp corners, smooth corners, etc.), the widths of natural cracks, andthe like, as well as any combination of the foregoing.

In various embodiments, a crack climbing module may include a frame anda pod, which together may be referred to as a panel. A configuration ofthe frame may enable it to be secured to a climbing surface of aclimbing wall. The frame may removably hold the pod, which defines thecrack, including its width and shape.

The frame may have a configuration that enables it to be mounted to theclimbing surface of a conventional indoor climbing wall. Morespecifically, a base of the frame may have a configuration that enablesthe frame to be mounted to a climbing wall. The frame may be mounted toa climbing surface of a climbing wall in a manner that will hold theweight of at least one individual as he or she climbs the climbingsurface of a climbing wall to which the frame has been mounted. Inaddition, the frame may be able to withstand forces exerted thereon asan individual who is climbing the climbing surface uses his or herfingers and hands to jam inside the pod's crack. Maintaining properjamming strength is how a climber moves up a wall surface. In someembodiments, the base of the frame may include apertures that can alignwith t-nuts in the climbing surface and receive bolts that will engagethe t-nuts (e.g., standard climbing hold bolts, etc.) and be engaged bythe heads of such bolts.

The frame may include side walls that protrude outwardly from the baseto define an elongated receptacle, or channel, capable of receiving,engaging, and selectively releasing one or more pods. The side walls ofthe frame may have inner surfaces that oppose, or face, one another. Theinner surfaces of the side walls may be relatively planar and orientedparallel to one another. Such a configuration may enable the receptacleto receive the bodies of pods that are rectangular in shape. Thedistance each side wall extends from the base, or its height, may definea depth of the receptacle. The receptacle may have a depth that canaccommodate a pod that includes a crack with a depth that will providean individual with an experience that approximates crack climbing innature.

A coupling deck may project outwardly from each side wall of the frame,with the coupling decks on opposed side walls extending in oppositedirections from one another. The coupling decks may include couplingelements that enable a pod that has been introduced into the receptacleto be coupled to the frame. As an example, each of the coupling decksmay include a plurality of coupling apertures that are sized andthreaded in a manner that enables them to receive and engage thethreading of standard climbing hold bolts.

When the frame is mounted to a climbing surface of a conventionalclimbing wall (e.g., using standard climbing hold bolts, etc.), it willprotrude somewhat from the climbing surface. Accordingly, the frame mayinclude transition features at its sides. Each transition feature mayextend from an outside surface of a corresponding side wall of the frameto the climbing surface in a manner that provides a smooth transition(e.g., a taper, etc.). In some embodiments, the transition features atthe sides of the frame may comprise outward extensions from the couplingdecks of the frame.

The same size frame may be capable of receiving and engaging pods withcracks of different shapes and sizes so a gym can provide versatilityand variety for climbers. In embodiments where a series of frames can bearranged vertically, the frames could receive a series of pods with thesame crack configuration, or combine pods with cracks of different sizesto more closely simulate a natural crack.

Each pod may include a body that defines a crack. The crack may extendfrom an outer surface of the pod at least partially into the body. Thebody may have a configuration that enables it to be received by thereceptacle of the frame of the crack climbing module. More specifically,the pod may include two sides with outer surfaces that will oppose, orface, and that may be positioned in close proximity to (e.g., adjacentto, against, etc.) the inner surfaces of the side wall of the frame. Thecrack of the pod may extend along a length of the body and may bepositioned somewhat centrally between the sides of the pod.

The outer surface of the pod may have a texture that resembles a naturaltexture of a rock face in which the crack defined by the pod could befound. Without limitation, such a surface could be smooth or rough. Itcould be relatively flat or include irregularities. While the crack ofthe pod may provide an individual with a simulated experience of anatural crack, the outer surface of the pod may provide the individualwith a simulated experience of a surface into which a natural crack mayextend.

Since a system according to this disclosure is modular (i.e., a varietyof pods may be interchangeably used with a frame), the pods may have thesame lengths—a unit length—or multiples of the unit length. Likewise, alength of the panel receptacle of the frame may frame may be the unitlength or a multiple thereof. In embodiments where the pod has a crackconfiguration that enables it to be used in series with one or moreother pods of a set of pods, the location of a crack at each end of theouter surface of the pod may be a fixed location, or location common, atan end of the pod. By placing an ends of crack of various pods at afixed location, the assembly of such pods in series with one another mayprovide a continuous crack, even though the crack of one pod may have ashape that differs from a shape of the crack of every other pod of theset.

The manner in which the pod is coupled to the frame should be sufficientto hold the weight of the climber, as well as withstand forces exertedas an individual uses his or her jam strength in the crack to change hisor her position on the climbing surface (e.g., to move up the wall,etc.). In this regard, the pod may include coupling features that enableit to be securely coupled to the frame of the crack climbing module.Without limitation, the pod may include coupling wings, or flanges, thatextend outward from sides of the body of the pod to define a face of thepod. Each coupling wing may comprise an extension of the outer surfaceof the body of the pod, and include one or more coupling features thatalign with corresponding coupling features of a coupling deck of a frameof the crack climbing module. As an example, each coupling feature of acoupling wing of a pod may comprise an aperture that can receive and beengaged by the head of a standard climbing hold bolt.

A width of the crack in a pod may be adjustable. Adjustability of thewidth of the crack of a pod may be achieved in a variety of ways. Insome embodiments, the sides of the body of a pod may be capable of beingmoved towards and/or away from one another. The sides of the body ofsuch a pod may slide relative to one another. The sides of the body ofsuch a pod may be separate from one another. In such embodiments, thepod may include coupling features that accommodate various possiblewidths of the body. Without limitation, a length of each couplingfeature may be aligned with a direction in which the sides of the bodymove toward and/or away from one another, enabling the coupling featureto align with a corresponding coupling feature of the frame of the crackclimbing module provided that the sides of the body of the pod arepositioned close enough to one another that the body of the pod will fitwithin the receptacle of the frame. As an example, each coupling featuremay include a series of apertures, which may be discrete from oneanother, that are configured to enable the sides of the body of the podto be positioned a predetermined, or fixed, number of distances apartfrom each other between a minimum width and a maximum width of the bodyof the pod. Regardless of how the coupling features are configured, therelative positions of the sides and, thus, the width of the crackdefined by a pod with moveable sides may be held in place as the pod issecured to the frame of the crack climbing module. A crack climbingmodule that includes such an adjustable pod may also include a framethat can accommodate the various possible widths of the adjustable pod;additionally, the coupling decks of such a frame may include featuresthat are able to receive spacers that can mount flush with an outersurface of the adjustable pod to provide increased continuity across anouter surface of the crack climbing module.

The frame and, thus, the pod(s) of a crack climbing module may beoriented in any of a variety of different orientations along a climbingsurface of a climbing wall, including vertically, horizontally, or anyof a variety of different diagonal orientations between vertical andhorizontal. A plurality of frames may be arranged in series across aportion of the climbing wall to enable the establishment of a singlecrack course up the climbing surface of the climbing wall or one or moreframes may be positioned relative to conventional holds to provide acourse that includes cracks and protrusions.

A crack climbing system according to this disclosure may include atleast one frame and a plurality of interchangeable pods with differentcrack configurations from one another.

In another aspect, structures that can directly receive modular podsaccording to this disclosure are disclosed. As a non-limiting example, apermanent climbing wall of a climbing gym may include an elongatedreceptacle for one or more pods according to this disclosure. Use of theelongated receptacle with pods may enable periodic variation in a crackalong the part of the climbing surface of the climbing wall along whichthe receptacle is located. Such a receptacle may be isolated from otherfeatures (e.g., climbing holds, etc.) or it may be used in conjunctionwith other climbing features.

An artificial climbing boulder is another example of a structure thatmay include one or more receptacles for a pod or series of podsaccording to this disclosure. The distinguishing characteristic betweenan artificial climbing boulder and an indoor climbing wall surface isthat boulders are low enough in height (typically less than about 16feet (or less than about 5 meters) that climbers do not require a safetybelay. Such an artificial climbing boulder may include a plurality ofclimbing surfaces orientated at different angles or combinations ofangles relative to the surface (e.g., a floor, a concrete slab, theground, etc.) that supports the artificial climbing boulder.

As yet another example of a structure that can directly receive modularpods of this disclosure, a free-standing climbing tower according tothis disclosure may comprise a frame that can support a climbing surfacein a variety of orientations, including one or more orientations. Aconfiguration of the frame may enable it to support a climbing surface,pods that have been secured to the climbing surface, and at least oneindividual as he or she ascends climbing surface. In some embodiments,the frame may be secured (e.g., bolted, etc.) to a horizontal surface(e.g., a floor, a concrete slab, etc.). In other embodiments, the framemay be portable, facilitating its movement and, thus, movement of thefree-standing climbing tower from one location to another. Theorientation(s) at which the frame may support the climbing surfaceinclude one or more inclined orientations (i.e., at an angle of greaterthan 90° between a surface that supports the frame and the climbingsurface held by the frame), a vertical orientation (i.e., at an angle ofabout 90° between the surface that supports the frame and the climbingsurface held by the frame), and/or one or more overhanging orientations(i.e., at an angle of less than 90° between the surface that supportsthe frame and the climbing surface held by the frame). Receptacles inthe climbing surface of such a free-standing climbing tower may becapable of receiving and retaining (e.g., with standard climbing holdbolts, etc.) one or more pods according to this disclosure.

A method for designing a crack climb may include determining a coursefor a crack along a climbing surface of an existing climbing wall, aswell as defining a crack. Once the course has been determined, one ormore frames of a crack climbing module may be secured to the climbingsurface. Definition of the crack may include selecting one or more podsthat define all or a part of a desired crack, including one or morecharacteristics of the crack. Once a frame has been secured to the crackclimbing surface, the one or more pods may be coupled to the frame. If aplurality of pods have been selected, they may be coupled to the framein a series that provides the crack that has been designed. Optionally,the width of the crack or a portion thereof may be defined as a pod thatdefines that crack or portion thereof is coupled to the frame.

In designing a crack climb for a climbing surface that includes at leastone receptacle for one or more pods, the crack may be defined byselecting one or more pods from a set of pods to define all or a part ofa desired crack with one or more characteristics. Each pod may beinstalled in the receptacle and coupled to the climbing surface. If aplurality of pods have been selected, they may be coupled to theclimbing surface in a series that provides the crack that has beendesigned. Optionally, the width of the crack or a portion thereof may bedefined as a pod that defines that crack or portion thereof is coupledto the climbing surface.

When a new crack climbing challenge is desired, the pod(s) may beremoved from the receptacle of its frame without removing the frameitself. In embodiments where the receptacle comprises a receptacle of aframe of a crack climbing module, the frame may be optionally removedfrom the climbing surface of the climbing wall, and recoupled to newlocations of the climbing surface to define a new course over theclimbing surface. The pod(s) may then be rearranged or replaced with oneor more different pods to define a new crack.

A method for designing the crack of a pod may include obtaining an imageof a natural crack and reproducing the natural crack as part of a pod.Such a method may include obtaining an information of a well-knowncrack, which may be used to define a pod or a series of pods thatresemble the crack to enable an individual to practice climbing thecrack in a safe, controlled environment before he or she travels to andattempts to climb that crack in nature.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features andadvantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, shouldbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art throughconsideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a crackclimbing module according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of crack climbing module shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame of theembodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pod of the embodimentof crack climbing module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which may be assembledwith the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective assembly view of the embodiment of pod of FIG.7 and the embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is an end assembly view, in perspective, of the embodiment ofpod of FIG. 7 and the embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a front assembly view of the embodiment of pod of FIG. 7 andthe embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame ofa crack climbing module with a pod with an adjustable width; theembodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14 has a configuration that enables itto accommodate a variety of different widths of the pod;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an end view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of crack climbing modulethat includes the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14 and a pod in awide setting;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of crack climbing moduleshown in FIG. 18 with the pod in an intermediate setting, and a pair ofintermediate spacers secured adjacent to outside edges of couplingfeatures of the pod;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of crack climbing moduleshown in FIG. 18 with the pod in a narrow setting, and a pair of widespacers secured adjacent to outside edges of coupling features of thepod;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a pod that includes atextured outer surface;

FIG. 22 is an end view of an embodiment of the pod shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a fixed indoor climbing wall towhich a series of crack climbing modules have been mounted;

FIG. 24 represents an embodiment of a fixed climbing wall with areceptacle that can receive one or more pods, such as the embodiment ofpod shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of an artificial crack climbing boulder;

FIGS. 26 and 27 depict an embodiment of a portable crack climbing tower;and

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate embodiments of methods for gathering datathat enables the fabrication of a series of pods that simulate a naturalcrack in a rock formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a crack climbingmodule 10 includes a frame 20 and a pod 50 that defines a crack 80. Theframe 20 may have a configuration that enables it to be secured, ormounted, to a climbing surface of a conventional climbing wall (notshown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). A configuration of the pod 50 may enable itto be assembled with and securely coupled to the frame 20 and, thus, toa climbing surface of the climbing wall to which the frame 20 has beenmounted. The lengths of the frame 20 and the pod 50 may contribute totheir modularity. As an example, the pod 50 may have a defined unitlength, and length of the frame 20 may be the unit length or aninteger-based multiple of the unit length (i.e., 2×the unit length,3×the unit length, 4×the unit length, etc.). In a specific embodiment,the frame 20 and the pod 50 may both have lengths of about 48 inches(about 120 cm).

FIGS. 3-6 depict an embodiment of a frame 20. The frame 20 includes abase 22, which defines a rear of the frame 20 and may be secured to theclimbing surface of a conventional climbing wall (not shown in any ofFIGS. 3-6). A pair of side walls 26 protrude from the base 22, toward afront of the frame 20. Coupling decks 32, which may define a front ofthe frame 20, may extend outwardly from forward portions of the sidewalls 26, in opposite directions from one another. Transition features36 may extend further outward from outer edges of the coupling decks 32,toward the plane in which the base 22 is located. Support flanges 42 mayextend from outer edges of the transition features 36, inwardly towardsthe base 22.

The base 22 of the frame 20 may include a plurality of mounting features24 that can be used to mount the frame 20 to a climbing surface of aconventional climbing wall. The mounting features 24 may includeapertures, such as the slots depicted by FIG. 4, circular apertures, orother shapes of apertures that correspond to and can be aligned withcorresponding mounting features (e.g., t-nuts, etc.) in the climbingsurface. The apertures of the mounting features 24 may be large enoughto receive suitable coupling elements (e.g., threaded elements ofstandard climbing hold bolts, etc.) that will engage and/or be engagedby the corresponding mounting features in the climbing surface. Theapertures of the mounting features 24 may be small enough, or includefeatures that are small enough, to be engaged by features of thecoupling elements (e.g., the heads of standard climbing hold bolts,etc.) and to thereby secure the base 22 to the climbing surface. In aspecific embodiment, the mounting features 24 may comprise elongatedapertures in a staggered arrangement, which may provide for tolerancefor variance in the positioning of t-nuts in the climbing surface. Thesize and shape of each aperture may remain constant through thethickness of the base 22 or each aperture may include a countersink or acounterbore that enables it to receive at least part of an engagingportion of a coupling element (e.g., a head of a standard climbing holdbolt, etc.).

The side walls 26 of the frame 20 may extend in a forward direction fromthe base 22. In some embodiments, the side walls 26 may extend fromsides of the base 22; the side walls 26 may even be continuous with thesides of the base 22. The side walls 26 may be oriented parallel to oneanother. Together, the base 22 and the side walls 26 may define areceptacle 30 of the frame 20. A distance between inner surfaces 28 ofthe side walls 26 may define a width of the receptacle 30. Depths of theside walls 26, or the distance each side wall 26 protrudes beyond afront surface of the base 22, may define a depth of the receptacle 30.In some embodiments, the receptacle 30 may have a width of about 6inches (about 15.2 cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm) orabout 8 inches (about 20.3 cm); a width of about 8 inches (about 20.3cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm), about 8 inches (about20.3 cm), or about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm); or a width of about 10inches (about 25.4 cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm),about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm), about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm), orabout 12 inches (about 30.5 cm). Of course, the receptacle 30 may have avariety of other widths, depths, and combinations of widths and depths.In a specific embodiment, the frame 20 may include a receptacle 30 witha width of about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) and a depth of about 10 inches(about 25.4 cm).

The coupling decks 32 of the frame 20 may be oriented substantiallyparallel to the base 22 of the frame 20. Additionally, the couplingdecks 32 may reside within the same plane (i.e., they may be coplanar).Each coupling deck 32 may include a series of coupling features 34. Eachcoupling feature 34 have a configuration that enables it engage or beengaged by a corresponding coupling feature of a pod 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2)upon introduction of the pod 50 into the receptacle 30 of the frame 20.As a nonlimiting example, each coupling feature 34 may comprise aninternally threaded aperture that can receive an externally threadedportion of a standard climbing hold bolt. Continuing with the specificembodiment provided previously herein, each coupling deck 32 of theframe 20 may have a width of about 2 ¼ inches (about 5.7 cm).

Each transition feature 36 of the frame 20 may extend outwardly from acorresponding coupling deck 32, and rearwardly toward a plane in whichthe base 22 of the frame 20 resides. An inner edge 38 of each transitionfeature 36, which is adjacent to an outer edge of the correspondingcoupling deck 32, may protrude slightly beyond a front surface, or anouter surface, of each coupling deck 32. The distance the inner edge 38protrudes beyond the front surface of the adjacent coupling deck 32 maybe the same as or substantially the same as the width of a feature ofthe pod 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that rests upon the coupling deck 32 when thepod 50 is introduced into the receptacle 30 of the frame 20.

An outer surface of each transition feature 36 may be oriented at anangle that provides smooth transition between the coupling decks 32 anda climbing surface to which the frame 20 is mounted. An outer edge 40 ofeach transition feature 36 may extend to a location that will bepositioned adjacent to, or even abut, the climbing surface to which theframe 20 is mounted.

A support flange 42 may extend from the outer edge 40 of each transitionfeature 36 toward the base 22 of the frame 20. Each support flange 42may be coplanar with the base 22. Mounting features 44 positioned alongthe outer edge 40 of each transition feature 36 may align withcorresponding mounting features 46 of each support flange 42 to enablethe transition feature 36 to be secured to a climbing surface and, thus,to enable the frame 20 to be further secured to the climbing surface. Asan example, the coupling mounting 44 and 46 may comprise alignedapertures that may be aligned with corresponding mounting features of(e.g., t-nuts in, etc.) the climbing surface to enable coupling elements(e.g., standard climbing hold bolts, etc.) to secure the transitionfeatures 36 to the climbing surface. In the previously provided specificembodiment, each transition feature 36 may be oriented at an angle ofabout 40.40° from its corresponding coupling deck 32 and extend alateral distance of about 11% inches (about 30 cm) beyond the outerextent of its corresponding coupling deck 32, imparting the frame 20with a width of about 36 inches (about 90 cm).

The various features of the frame 20 may be defined in any suitablemanner that may impart the frame 20 with sufficient structural integrityto hold the weight of at least one individual as he or she climbs theclimbing surface of a climbing wall to which the frame 20 has beenmounted and to withstand forces exerted thereon as an individual who isclimbing the climbing surface uses his or her grip in a crack of a pod50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) carried by the frame 20 to change his or her positionon the climbing surface (e.g., to move up the wall, etc.). As anexample, the frame 20 may be pressed from a sheet of a ductile material,such as steel (e.g., 0.25 inch (about 6 mm) thick steel, etc.),stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal. As anotherexample, the frame 20 may be formed from a moldable material, such as acarbon fiber-reinforced polymer or the like. Of course, other methodsmay be used to manufacture a frame 20 from one or more materialsappropriate to such methods.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, an embodiment of a pod 50 of a crack climbingmodule 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is described. The pod 50 includes two sides 52and 62 that are at least partially spaced apart from one another todefine a crack 80 therebetween. In some embodiments, the two sides 52and 62 of the pod 50 may be secured to one another (e.g., by way of aconnector 82 at a base of the crack 80, etc.). In other embodiments, thesides 52 and 62 of the pod 50 may be separate from one another, whichmay impart the crack 80 defined therebetween with an adjustable width.

Each side 52, 62 of the pod 50 may include a body 53, 63 and a couplingwing 54, 64, or flange. Outer surfaces 56 and 66 of the coupling wings54 and 64 may define a front surface, or an outer surface or face, ofthe pod 50. The bodies 53 and 63 may extend rearward from back sides ofthe coupling wings 54 and 64.

Each body 53, 63 may include a side wall 55, 65. It is the side walls 55and 65 that define the crack 80 of the pod 50. More specifically, theside walls 55 and 65 may be at least partially spaced apart from oneanother, with interior surfaces 60 and 70 of the side walls 55 and 65,respectively, being opposed to one another, or facing each other, todefine the crack 80. The depths of the side walls 55 and 65 (i.e., thedimensions from their corresponding coupling wings 54 and 64 to theirlower extents in the orientations shown in FIGS. 7 and 9) define thedepth of the crack 80 defined between the side walls 55 and 65. Forexample, a crack 80 with a width suitable for so-called “fingerclimbing” may have a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm). A widercrack 80 that can accommodate an individual's hands or fists may have adepth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm).

As illustrated by FIG. 7, and as is apparent from the embodiment ofcrack 80 shown in FIG. 8, each side wall 55, 65 may extend non-linearlyalong the height of the pod 50 (from left to right in FIG. 7, from topto bottom in FIG. 8) to define a non-linear crack 80. As an alternativeto the meandering curved configuration shown in FIG. 7, each side wall55, 65 may have a jagged configuration, a configuration with straightportions, or a configuration with any combination of curved portions,jagged portions, and straight portions. In some embodiments, theinterior surfaces 60 and 70 of the side walls 55 and 65 may mirror oneanother, providing a crack 80 with a constant width. In otherembodiments, one or more locations on the interior surface 60 of oneside wall 55 may vary from corresponding locations on the interiorsurface 70 of the other side wall 65, which may introduce variation intothe crack 80 (e.g., variations in width, variations in internalfeatures, variations in texture, etc.).

As illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 9, the coupling wings 54 and 64 of the pod50 may be oriented transversely to and extend outwardly from theircorresponding side walls 55 and 65. In some embodiments, the couplingwings 54 and 64 may be oriented perpendicular to their correspondingside walls 55 and 65. An outer edge of each coupling wing may 54, 64 beconfigured as a portion of a rectangle, with the coupling wings 54 and64 collectively imparting the front surface of the pod 50 with arectangular configuration.

Each coupling wing 54, 64 may have a configuration that enables it torest against a corresponding coupling deck 32 (FIGS. 3-5) of a frame 20(FIGS. 3-6) of the crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Asillustrated, the coupling wings 54 and 64 may comprise relatively flat,or planar, structures. In a specific embodiment, each coupling wing 54,64 may have a thickness of about ¼ inch (about 6 mm).

A series of coupling features 58, 68 may be positioned adjacent to anouter edge 57, 67 of each coupling wing 54, 64. When the coupling wings54 and 64 are positioned against corresponding coupling decks 32 (FIGS.3-5) of a frame 20 (FIGS. 3-6) of the crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1and 2), the coupling features 58 and 68 of the coupling wings 54 and 64may align with corresponding coupling features 34 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of thecoupling decks 32. In a specific embodiment, each coupling feature 58,68 may comprise an aperture that may receive a securing portion of acoupling element (e.g., an externally threaded portion of a standardclimbing hold bolt, etc.). Such an aperture may also enable an engagingportion of a coupling element (e.g., a head of a standard climbing holdbolt, etc.) to engage the coupling wing 54, 64. In embodiments where theaperture extends straight through the coupling wing 54, 64, the engagingportion of the coupling element may engage the coupling wing 54, 64 atlocations immediately surrounding the aperture. Alternatively, theaperture may comprise a countersink or a counterbore that enables it toreceive the engaging portion of the coupling element and that enablesthe engaging portion of the coupling element to engage a portion of thesurface that defines the aperture.

The materials from which the pod 50 is formed, a structure of the pod50, and/or a manner in which the pod 50 is mounted to a climbing surface(e.g., by way of a frame 20 of a crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and2) may be sufficient to hold the weight of an individual, as well aswithstand forces exerted as an individual uses his or her grip in thecrack 80 to change his or her position on a climbing surface (e.g., tomove up the climbing surface, etc.) (e.g., to move up the climbingsurface, etc.) to which the pod 50 has been secured (e.g., by a frame20, etc.). For example, the pod 50 may be molded from a polymer, whichmay comprise a fiber-reinforced polymer. The polymer may comprise amaterial that has sufficient hardness and strength to withstand theforces that will be exerted against the pod 50 as individual climbs thecrack 80. Examples of polymers include, but are not limited to,polyurethanes of suitable hardnesses and strengths, fiberglass, and anyother suitable materials. Surfaces of the pod 50 that are to becontacted by an individual as he or she climbs the crack 80 (e.g., theouter surface 56, 66 of each coupling wing 54, 64; the inner surface 60,70 of each side wall 55, 65; etc.) may be coated with a material thatprovides those surfaces with a texture that resembles the texture of theface of a natural stone formation.

In a specific embodiment, a pod 50 according to this disclosure may befabricated by defining a crack in a blank (e.g., a block of foam, etc.)to form a so-called “plug,” or a form. The crack 80 may be defined byhand, with a computer numeric control (CNC) machine, or in any othersuitable manner. Once the crack and the remainder of the plug have beendefined, the plug may be used to form a fiberglass mold in a mannerknown in the art. The fiberglass mold may then be used to define one ormore pods 50 from a suitable material (e.g., fiberglass, polyurethane,etc.) in a manner known in the art. Various features of the pod 50,including, but not limited to, the outer edges 57, 67 and the couplingfeatures 58, 68 of each coupling wing 54, 64, may then be defined in amanner known in the art (e.g., with suitable cutting tools, drills,etc.). Outer surfaces of the pod 50, including the interior surfaces 60and 70 that define the crack 80 of the pod 50, may be coated in a mannerknown in the art.

The bodies 53 and 63 of the two sides 52 and 62 of the pod 50 maycollectively define a body 51 of the pod 50. As depicted by FIGS. 11-13,a configuration of the body 51 of the pod 50 may enable it to bereceived by the receptacle 30 (FIGS. 3-5) of a frame 20 (FIGS. 3-5).

Turning now to FIGS. 14-20, a crack climbing module 10′ (FIGS. 18-20)that includes an adjustable pod 50′ (FIGS. 18-20) may also include aframe 20′ that can accommodate the various possible widths of theadjustable pod 50′.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17, the receptacle 30′ of such a frame may have awidth that will accommodate the various possible widths of theadjustable pod 50′. In comparison to the specific embodiment of frame 20described in reference to FIGS. 3-6, which has a receptacle 30 that isabout 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) wide and a depth of about 10 inches(about 25.4 cm), a specific embodiment of a frame 20′ that canaccommodate various widths of an adjustable pod 50′ may include areceptacle 30′ with a width of about 9 ½ inches (about 24 cm) and adepth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm).

Additionally, the coupling decks 32′ of such a frame 20′ may bewider—for example, about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) as opposed to about 2 ¼inches (about 5.7 cm). With added reference to FIGS. 18-20, such anincreased width may enable the coupling decks 32′ to accommodate thedifferent overlapping positions of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of a pod50′ over the coupling decks 32′ as the width of the pod 50′ is adjusted.The increased width of each coupling deck 32′ may also enable a spacer90, 92 (FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively) to be positioned between an outeredge of a coupling wing 54′, 64′ and an outer extent each coupling wing54′, 64′ to provide the crack climbing module 10′ with a substantiallycontinuous outer surface regardless of the width of the pod 50′.

Despite the increased widths of the receptacle 30′ and the couplingdecks 32′ (e.g., a total increase of about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm),etc.), the frame 20′ may have the same width as the embodiment of frame20 described in reference to FIG. 3-6 (e.g., about 36 inches (about 90cm), etc.). As a result, the lengths of the transition features 36′ maybe shorter than the transition features 36 of frame 20 and thetransition features 36′ may be oriented at steeper angles than thetransition features 36 of frame 20.

Each coupling deck 32′ may include at least two columns of couplingfeatures 34′ and 35′, as shown in FIG. 15. One or more columns ofcoupling features 34′ may be positioned adjacent to the sides of thereceptacle 30′ to align with one or more corresponding columns ofcoupling features 58′, 68′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the pod50′, as depicted by FIGS. 18-20. The other column of coupling features35′ may be positioned adjacent to the outer extent of each coupling deck32′, next to an inner edge 38′ of the transition feature 36′. When thepod 50′ is in its widest arrangement, as illustrated by FIG. 18, thecoupling features 35′ may align with outermost sets of coupling features58 a′, 68a′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the pod 50′. When the pod50′ is in an intermediate arrangement, as shown in FIG. 19, or in itsnarrowest arrangement, as seen in FIG. 20, the coupling features 35′ mayalign with corresponding coupling features 95, 97 of a spacer 90, 92, tofacilitate coupling of the spacer 90, 92 to a coupling deck 32′ of theframe 20′.

A pod 50′ whose width can be adjusted may include sides 52′ and 62′ thatare separate from one another. In addition, the coupling wings 54′ and64′ of a width-adjustable pod 50′ may include a plurality of columns ofcoupling features 58 a′, 58 b′, 58 c′ and 68 a′, 68 b′, 68 c′ positionedat increasing distances away from the outer edges 57′ and 67′ of thecoupling wings 54′ and 64′.

In FIG. 18, the sides 52′ and 62′ of the pod 50′ are spaced as far apartfrom one another as the receptacle 30′ of the frame 20′ will permit,providing the crack climbing module 10′ with a wide crack 80 w′. In FIG.19, the sides 52′ and 62′ of the pod 50′ are secured to the frame 20′ atan intermediate distance apart from one another, defining a crack 80_(I)′ with an intermediate width. In FIG. 20, the sides 52′ and 62′ ofthe pod 50′ are positioned as close to one another as the frame 20′ willpermit, providing the crack climbing module 10′ with a narrow crack 80_(N)′.

The outer surfaces 56, 66 of the coupling wings 54, 64 of the embodimentof pod 50 depicted by FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-13 and the outer surfaces 56′,66′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the emboiment of pod 50′ depictedby FIGS. 18-20, along with outer surfaces 94 and 96 of the embodimentsof spacers 90 and 92 that are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively,are smooth and coplanar, or flush. Alternatively, as illustrated byFIGS. 21 and 22, the front surfaces 56″ and 66″ of the coupling wings54″ and 64″ of a pod 50″ (e.g., pod 50, pod 50″, etc.), as well as thefront surfaces of any spacer (e.g., spacer 90 (FIG. 19), spacer 92 (FIG.20), etc.) used with the pod 50″, may include textures 100, undulations102, protrusions 104, or other irregularities that may impart the pod50″ with a natural texture.

As indicated previously herein, and as shown in FIG. 23, a frame 20(FIGS. 1-6 and 11-13), 20′ (FIGS. 14-20) may be mounted to mountingfeatures 212 (e.g., t-nuts, etc.) in a climbing surface 210 of aconventional climbing wall to enable one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) to be selected andsecured in place over the climbing surface 210. Specifically, FIG. 23illustrates two crack climbing modules 10 a and 10 b that have beenarranged end-to-end, in series, on the climbing surface 210 of aclimbing wall. The crack climbing modules 10 a and 10 b include pods 50a and 50 b with cracks 80 a and 80 b that have different shapes. Ends ofthe cracks 80 a and 80 b are positioned to enable pods 50 a and 50 b ofdifferent configurations to be aligned with one another in a manner thatforms a continuous crack 80 over a portion of the climbing surface 210.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a fixed climbing wall 200′ with aclimbing surface 210′ that includes an array of coupling features 212′.The coupling features 212′ may enable conventional climbing holds to bemounted to the climbing surface 210′. In addition, one or morereceptacles 230′, or channels, may be recessed in the climbing surface210′. A coupling deck 232′ may be recessed within the climbing surface210′ on each side of a receptacle 230′. Coupling features 234′ (e.g.,t-nuts, etc.) may be positioned along each coupling deck 232′. Eachreceptacle 230′ may enable one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12),50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) to be positioned along theclimbing surface 210′, while the coupling decks 232′ at the sides of thereceptacle 230′ and the coupling features 234′ may enable each pod 50,50′, 50″ to be secured directly to the fixed climbing wall 200′. When apod 50, 50′, 50″ is mounted to the fixed climbing wall 200′, an outersurface of the pod 50, 50′, 50″ may be coplanar with the climbingsurface 210′.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment of an artificial climbing boulder 300. Anartificial climbing boulder 300 may include a plurality of climbingsurfaces 310 a, 310 b, etc., orientated at different angles orcombinations of angles relative to the surface S (e.g., a floor, aconcrete slab, the ground, etc.) that supports the artificial climbingboulder 300. The artificial climbing boulder 300 may be configuredsimilarly to the fixed climbing wall 200′ shown in and described withreference to FIG. 24—it may include receptacles 230′ that receive pods50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) thatdefine cracks 80 over one or more climbing surfaces 310 a, 310 b, etc.,of the artificial climbing boulder 300.

As yet another example of a structure that can directly receive modularpods of this disclosure, FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a free-standingclimbing tower 400. The free-standing climbing tower 400 may include aframe 402 that can support a climbing surface 410 in a variety oforientations, including one or more orientations. A configuration of theframe 402 may enable it to support a climbing surface 410, pods 50(FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) thathave been secured to the climbing surface 410, and at least oneindividual as he or she ascends climbing surface 410. In someembodiments, the frame 402 may be secured (e.g., bolted, etc.) to ahorizontal surface S (e.g., a floor, a concrete slab, etc.). In otherembodiments, the frame 402 may be portable, facilitating its movementand, thus, movement of the free-standing climbing tower 400 from onelocation to another. The orientation(s) at which the frame 402 maysupport the climbing surface 410 include one or more inclinedorientations (i.e., at an angle of greater than 90° between a surface Sthat supports the frame 402 and the climbing surface 410 held by theframe 402), the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 26 (i.e., at an angleof about 90° between the surface S that supports the frame 402 and theclimbing surface 410 held by the frame 402), and/or one or moreoverhanging orientations (i.e., at an angle of less than 90° between thesurface S that supports the frame 402 and the climbing surface 410 heldby the frame 402), as shown in FIG. 27. The climbing surface 410 of thefree-standing climbing tower 400 may include one or more receptacles(e.g., the receptacles 230′ shown in FIG. 24, etc.), which can receivepods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22)and enable the pods 50, 50′, 50″ to be secured in place in a manner thatdefines cracks 80 over the climbing surface 410.

Turning now to FIGS. 28 and 29, a specific embodiment of a method fordesigning a crack that resembles a crack in a natural rock formation mayinclude obtaining an image of a natural crack C (e.g., a world-famouscrack, etc.). In a specific embodiment, an individual I, such as anexperienced climber, carrying a camera (e.g., a three-dimensionalscanning camera, etc.) may obtain images of the natural crack C as theindividual I uses the natural crack C to ascend a face F of the naturalrock formation, or as the individual I otherwise moves up or down alongthe face F, adjacent to the natural crack C. The camera may be used tocapture the dimensions of the natural crack C, as well as informationabout texture of the natural crack C and features of the face F on eachside of the natural crack C (e.g., to a resolution of about 0.2 mm orless; to a width of about 12 inches (about 30.5 cm); etc.).

The data obtained with the camera may then be processed in a mannerknown in the art. The data may be used to provide a file that can beused to control operation of automated manufacturing equipment of a typeknown in the art (e.g., a CNC machine, etc.). The automatedmanufacturing equipment can be used, for example, to fabricate a form,or a plug, from a blank (e.g., from a block of foam, etc.), from which amold (e.g., a fiberglass mold, etc.) may be made. The mold may then beused to form one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS.18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) that define a replica of the natural crackC.

In use, the pods 50, 50′, 50″ may be oriented on a climbing surface in amanner that simulates the orientation of the natural crack C in the faceF of the natural rock formation, enabling individuals Ito try theirskill at climbing a replica of the natural crack C in a controlled, safeenvironment.

Although the foregoing description sets forth many specifics, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, butmerely as providing illustrations of some embodiments and variations ofelements or features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodimentsof the disclosed subject matter may be devised which do not depart fromthe spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from differentembodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope ofeach claim is limited only by its plain language and the legalequivalents thereto.

What is claimed:
 1. A modular pod for enabling crack climbing on amanufactured climbing wall, comprising: a body including a first sideand a second side with opposed interior surfaces that define a cracksimulating a portion of a crack in a natural rock formation, extendingalong an entire length of the body, and opening to opposite first andsecond ends of the body; and coupling wings that extend outwardly fromsides of the body and that include couplers that enable the crack to bemounted to a climbing surface of the manufactured climbing wall.
 2. Themodular pod of claim 1, wherein the couplers comprise apertures thatenable the crack to be mounted to the climbing surface by way ofclimbing hold bolts.
 3. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the firstside and the second side move relative to one another to enableadjustment of a distance the opposed interior sides are spaced apartfrom one another and a width of the crack.
 4. The modular pod of claim1, wherein at least a first end of the crack aligns with an end of acrack in a body of another modular pod positioned adjacent to the firstend of the body of the modular pod.
 5. The modular pod of claim 1, outersurfaces of the coupling wings include a texture or a contour thatsimulates features of the face of the natural rock climbing formation.6. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the opposed interior surfaces andthe crack have depths of at least about 6 inches.
 7. The modular pod ofclaim 1, wherein the opposed interior surfaces and the crack have depthsof at least about 10 inches.
 8. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein thebody and the mounting wings comprise a polymer.
 9. The modular pod ofclaim 8, wherein the body and the mounting wings comprise afiber-reinforced polymer.
 10. A crack climbing module, comprising: aframe including: a base with a plurality of mounts; side walls extendingfrom the base; a receptacle defined by the base and the side walls;coupling decks extending outwardly in opposite directions from the sidewalls, each coupling deck including a series of couplers; andtransitions extending outwardly from the coupling decks, the transitionsextending toward a plane in which the base is located; and at least onepod including: a body including a first side and a second side withopposed interior surfaces that define a crack, the body insertable intothe receptacle of the frame; and coupling wings that extend outwardlyfrom sides of the body, positionable over the coupling decks of theframe upon introduction of the body of the at least one pod into thereceptacle of the frame, and including couplers that are arranged toalign with corresponding couplers of the coupling decks.
 11. The crackclimbing module of claim 10, comprising a plurality of interchangeablepods that define cracks with different shapes.
 12. The crack climbingmodule of claim 11, wherein each pod of the plurality of interchangeablepods includes a crack that simulates a crack of a natural rock climbingformation.
 13. The crack climbing module of claim 10, wherein theplurality of mounts of the base of the frame enable the frame to bemounted to the climbing surface of the manufactured climbing wall withclimbing hold bolts.
 14. The crack climbing module of claim 10, whereinthe couplers of the coupling decks of the frame and the couplers of theat least one pod enable the at least one pod to be secured to the framewith climbing hold bolts.
 15. The crack climbing module of claim 10,wherein: the at least one pod is adjustable to a plurality of widths,each width of the plurality of widths imparting the crack with adifferent width than every other width of the plurality of widths. 16.The crack climbing module of claim 15, further comprising: a pluralityof spacers positionable on the coupling decks of the frame, betweenouter edges of the coupling wings of the at least one pod and inneredges of the transitions of the frame.
 17. The crack climbing module ofclaim 15, wherein the receptacle and the coupling decks receive the atleast one pod in the plurality of widths.
 18. A method for manufacturinga modular pod that enables crack climbing on a manufactured climbingwall, comprising: defining a mold that comprises a negative of a crackin a natural rock formation; and molding at least a portion of a body ofat least one modular pod, including a replica of the crack, with themold.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein defining the mold comprisesdefining a mold based on dimensional data obtained from a crack in anatural rock climbing formation.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereindefining the mold comprises defining a sequence of molds that togethercomprise a negative of the crack in the natural rock formation andmolding at least the portion of the at least one modular pod comprisesmolding at least portions of a plurality of modular pods, including thereplica of the crack, with the sequence of molds.